WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Joe Biden is undergoing radiation and hormone treatments as part of a new phase in addressing the aggressive form of prostate cancer he was diagnosed with after leaving office, according to a spokesperson on Saturday.
“As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment,” stated Biden aide Kelly Scully.
The 82-year-old Democrat left office in January after he withdrew from reconsidering a reelection bid six months earlier, following a challenging debate against Republican Donald Trump over concerns about Biden’s age, health, and mental sharpness. Trump went on to defeat Democrat Kamala Harris, Biden’s vice president.
In May, Biden’s post-presidential office disclosed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones. This was discovered after he reported experiencing urinary symptoms.
Prostate cancers are evaluated for aggressiveness using a system known as the Gleason score. These scores range from 6 to 10, with scores of 8, 9, and 10 associated with more aggressive cancers. Biden’s office reported his score as 9, indicating his cancer is highly aggressive.
Last month, Biden had surgery to remove skin cancer lesions from his forehead.
